Mötley Crüe had given the sad news that Mick Mars wouldn’t be touring with them anymore, leaving his place for John 5. The band’s first show with their new guitarist at Atlantic City for the World Tour has gone off without a hitch, as Nikki Sixx tweeted about the night praising John 5 for his performance. The new Crüe touring member also took to Instagram to showcase his gratitude for his bandmates and the warm welcome he received from Crüe fans.
Mars’ retiring from touring was no small decision as it was about his health, which had deteriorated over the years. The guitarist has been struggling with ankylosing spondylitis, a chronic and inflammatory form of arthritis, since he was seventeen. The disease has not only affected his movement but also resulted in scoliosis.
His condition came to the point where he was in no shape to tour like he used to, so John 5 was the guitarist to take his place, and the show in Atlantic City this past Friday was his first go at playing with the band. It seemed to be a success, as Sixx was very impressed with John 5’s performance.
Nikki Sixx’s words about their first show with John 5:
“First show in the books for the World Tour. Thank you to our crew for stuffing this big show into a little place. It was a fun night. Do you want to do it again tomorrow? Welcome to the circus, John 5. You crushed it.”
John 5’s words about his first performance with Mötley Crüe:
“Last night was a night I will never forget. Thank you to Vince Neil, Nikki Sixx, Tommy Lee, and all of the amazing Crüe fans for having me along for this insane ride.”
The guitarist did his best to do Mick Mars justice and give Crüe fans a great experience with his new bandmates. Overall it was a job well done on both sides, and it seems like John 5 indeed checked all the boxes to be an essential part of Mötley Crüe’s new lineup.
First show in books for #TheWORLDtour. Thank you to our crew for stuffing this big show into a little place. Was a fun night. Wanna do it again tomorrow? Welcome to the circus @john5guitarist YOU CRUSHED IT.
— 📷 (@NikkiSixx) February 11, 2023
